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PRINCETON,    N.    J. 


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Xiiiiii 


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ADDRESS 

OF 

%itt  BoatD  of  !^iggions 

ACTING  UNDER  THE  AUTHORITY 

OF  THE 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

OF  THE 
•      IN  THE 

UNITED  STATES, 

ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF 

Auxiliary  Missionary  Societies 

AND 

Missionary  Associations^ 

TO    THE 

CHURCHES. 


..  .     ^Kjilabelpljia": 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  W.  SCOTT, 

NO.  36  NORTH  SIXTH  STREET. 
Dec,  1816. 


ADDRESS,  4^c. 


Dear  Brethren, 

THE  General  Asssembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  have,  from  the  very  for- 
mation of  that  venerable  body,  been  engaged  in  the 
pious  and  benevolent  w<5rk  of  sending  missionaries  to 
preach  the. gospel  to  the  destitute.  In  the  prosecution 
of  this  important  concern,  they  have  endeavoured  to 
provide  instruction  for  the  Blacks,  as  well  as  for  the 
destitute  in  our  frontier  settlements  ;  and  as  opportuni- 
ties offered,  and  their  ability  allowed,  they  have  estab- 
lished missions  for  evangelizing  the  Indian  tribes. 

The  missionary  business,  in  our  Church,  has  been 
gradually  increasing  in  extent  and  importance.  It  has 
proved  highly  beneficial  to  the  Presbyterian  interest, 
and  greatly  instrumental  in  promoting  the  common 
cause  of  Christianity.  A  person  duly  acquainted 
with  the  history  of  the  church  in  this  country,  beholds 
with  delight  flourishing  Churches,  important  Presby- 
teries, and  even  Synods,  now  spreading  the  influence 
of  religion  and  maintaining  the  ordinances  of  the  gos- 
pel in  regions,  where  not  many  years  ago  scarce  a 
house  of  worship  was  seen,  and  where  only  the  voice 
of  solitary  missionaries  was  occasionally  heard,  while 
they  were  hastily  passing  over  their  extensive  fields 
of  labour. 

We- have  reason  to  give  thanks  to  the  Great  Head  of 
^     .he  Church  for  the  exertions  in  the  missionary  cause 


that  have  been  made,  and  for  the  encouraging  success 
with  which  he  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  crown 
these  exertions  ;  but  at  the  same  time  we  have  reason 
to  lament,  that  what  has  been  done  bears  so  small  a  pro- 
portion to  the  necessities  of  our  country.  There  are 
thousands,  tens  of  thousands,  nay,  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands, who  are,  at  this  hour,  destitute  of  the  stated 
means  of  grace,  and  seldom,  if  at  all,  hear  the  voice  of 
ministers  preaching  Jesus  and  his  salvation.  Such  is  the 
deplorable  condition  of  many  parts  of  this  country,  that, 
if  vigorous  efforts  be  not  made^  the  inhabitants  will  sink 
Into  a  state  of  heathenism. 

Two  causes  have  circumscribed  the  operations  of 
thie  General  Assembly  in  their  benevolent  work  ;  the 
want  of  adequate  funds,  and  the  want  of  suitable  mis- 
sionaries. The  deficiency  of  missionaries  is  likely  to 
be  supplied  by  the  Theological  Seminary  established 
by  the  General  Assembly  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey  ; 
an  Institution  that  has  already  furnished  valuable  min- 
isters to  our  church,  and  promises  to  be  productive  of 
great  and  lasting  benefit  to  her  interest.  A  missiona- 
ry spirit  has  begun  to  pervade  the  minds  of  the  young 
men  receiving  their  education  in  that  Seminary  ;  and 
the  Professors  feel  disposed  to  encourage  and  promote 
so  noble  a  spirit,  that  leads  them  to  pity  the  condition  of 
the  destitute,  and  to  devise  means  for  supplying  their 
spiritual  necessities.  From  that  sacred  place  will  pro- 
bably issue  forth  many,  who  will  devote  either  their- 
whole  time,  or  some  part  of  it,  to  the  missionary  cause. 

With  this  prospect  in  regard  to  future  missionaries, 
and  believing  that  reliance  may  be  placed  on  the  liber- 
ality of  their  people  for  supplying  them  with  adequate 
funds,  the  General   Assembly,  in  May  last,  adopted 


measures  for  carrying  on  the  Missionary  business, 
with  more  efficiency  and  to  greater  extent ;  as  will 
appear  from  the  following  extract  from  the  report  of 
a  committee  on  that  subject : 

"  The  Committee  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  a 
competent  supply  of  the  word  of  God  to  the  poor  and 
destitute  in  our  country,  by  means  of  Bible  Societies. 
The  numbers  and  resources  of  these  Institutions  are 
every  day  increasing ;  so  that,  at  no  very  remote  period, 
it  is  hoped,  that  the  Sun  of  Revelation  will  shine  on 
every  dark  corner  of  our  land,  and  irradiate  every 
dwelling  however  obscure.  The  Committee,  however, 
instead  of  regarding  this  as  a  reason  for  relaxing  mis- 
sionary efforts,  are  persuaded  that  its  proper  effect  is  to 
infuse  new  life  and  vigour  into  the  missionary  cause.  In 
proportion  as  the  word  of  God  is  known  and  appreciat- 
ed, will  the  preachers  of  the  word  in  its  simplicity  and 
purity  be  effectual :  in  proportion  as  the  Bible  is  diffused, 
will  missionaries  be  successful  in  organizing  churches. 
"  That  there  is  a  wide  extent  of  country,  destitute  of 
the  ordinary  means  of  grace,  is  too  well  known  to  be 
mentioned  in  this  place  ;  the  present  demand  for  mis- 
sionary labours  very  far  exceeds  the  ability  of,  supply  : 
and  the  population  of  the  country  is  encreasing  with 
such  rapidity,  that,  were  every  place  now  vacant  com- 
pletely supplied  with  the  regular  ministrations  of  the 
gospel,  after  the  lapse  of  a  year  there  would  probably 
be  in  the  nation,  four  hundred  thousand  souls  requiring 
the  labours  of  a  competent  number  of  religious  instruc- 
tors. When,  then,  there  are  such  multitudes  at  this 
moment,  who  rarely,  if  ever,  hear  the  gospel  preached, 
and  such  mighty  additions  are  made  every  year  to  our 
numbers ;  when,  too,  great  multitudes,  sensible  of  their 


wants,,  are  addressing  their  importunate  cries  to  us  for 
missionaries,  the  cry  for  help  of  souls  ready  to  perish  j 
it  appears  to  your  Committee,  that  God  and  our  breth- 
ren require  of  us  much  more  than  we  have  heretofore 
rendered.  We  are  longing  and  praying  for  the  com- 
ing of  the  day  of  glory  ;  and  perhaps  many  of  us  hope 
to  see  it.  But  we  have  no  right  to  calculate  on  mirac- 
ulous interpositions  j  and  without  a  miracle,  century 
after  century  must  elapse  before  the  earth  can  be  filled 
with  the  knowledge  of  God.  All  that  the  Christian 
world  is  now  doing  with  united  effort,  if  continued 
without  intermission  for;, one  thousand  years,  would 
barely  serve  to  fill  the  world  with  Bibles  and  Mission- 
aries. Yet  we  are  not  to  despair.  God,  in  his  adorable 
providence,  seems  to  have  changed,  in  these  latter 
times,  the  scale  on  which  he  had  for  ages  conducted 
the  affairs  of  his  government.  Changes  which  former- 
ly were  the  work  of  years,  are  now  produced  in  a  day. 
Magnificent  and  astonishing  events  have  passed  so 
often  before  the  eyes  of  men  of  the  present  age,  that 
their  minds  have  acquired  a  tone  and  vigour  which 
prompt  them  to  undertake  and  accomplish  great  things. 
We  ourselves  witness  every  day  the  wonderful  effects 
of  combined  counsels  and  exertions,  both  in  the  moral 
and  political  world. 

"  From  the  lessons  taught  us  by  experience,  your 
Committee  have  no  doubt  but  that  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States,  there  needs  only  union  of 
purpose  and  effort  to  accomplish  all  the  plans  which 
have  been  proposed,  and  even  to  go  far  beyond  the  ex- 
pectations and  hopes  of  the  most  sanguine.  And  this 
especially,  as  so  powerful  an  impulse  has  been  given  to 
the  Christian  community ;    and  the  impression  is  so 


<3leep  and  universal,  that  it  becomes  us  all  who  love  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  exert  ourselves  for  the  promo- 
tion of  his  glory  and  the  extention  of  his  kingdom. 

*'  For  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the  sphere  of  our  mis- 
sionary operations  then,  and  infusing  new  vigour  into 
the  cause,  your  Committee  would  respectfully  recom- 
mend a  change  of  the  style,  and  enlargement  of  the 
powers  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  Missions.  If 
instead  of  continuing  to  this  body,  the  character  of  a 
committee  bound  in  all  cases  to  act  according  to  the 
instructions  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  under  the 
necessity  of  receiving  its  sanction  to  give  validity  to  all 
the  measures  which  it  may  propose,  the  Committee  of 
JMissions  were  erected  into  a  Board,  with  full  powers 
to  transact  all  the  business  of  the  Missionary  cause,  on- 
ly requiring  the  Board  to  report  annually  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  ;  it  would  then  be  able  to  carry  on  the 
Missionary  business,  with  all  the  vigour  and  unity  of 
design  that  would  be  found  in  a  Society  originated  for 
.•that  purpose ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  would  enjoy  all 
the  benefit  that  the  counsel  and  advice  of  the  General 
Assembly  could  afford." 

Besides  altering  the  style  of  "  The  Standing  Com- 
mittee of  Missions"  to  that  of"  The  Board  of  Mis- 
sions," and  clothing  the  Board  with  full  powers  to 
transact  all  the  business  of  the  Missionary  cause,  the 
General  Assembly  "  authorized  and  directed  them  to 
take  measures  for  establishing  throughout  our  churches 
Auxiliary .  Missionary  Societies^  to  aid  the  funds,  and 
extend  the  operations,  of  the  Board." 

The  Board  of  Missions  have  not  been  unmindful  of 
the  sacred  trust  confided  to  their  eare,  nor  of  the  im- 


8 

portant  duties  imposed  on  them  ;  though  they  cannot 
forbear  to  express  their  regret  that  circumstances  have 
prevented  their  preferring  an  earlier  claim  to  the  atten- 
tion of  the  churches  to  this  most  interesting  concern. 

You  see,  christian  brethren,  from  the  statement 
made,  the  deplorable  condition  of  multitudes  of  our 
fellow-citizens  in  regard  to  religious  instructions,  and 
that  the  General  Assembly  depend  on  the  liberality  of 
their  people  to  augment  .their  funds,  so  as  to  enable 
them  to  extend  the  Missionary  business,  and  render  it 
more  efficient.  They  are  aware  how  repeated  are  the 
calls  for  pecuniary  aid  ;  but  the  pressing  necessities  of 
the  destitute  make  theni  absolutely  and  itnperiously 
necessary. 

To  the  Board  of  Missions  it  is  gratifying  to  reflect, 
that  there  is  wealth  enough  in  the  Presbyterian  Church 
to  supply  adequate  funds  for  all  the  pious  and  benevo- 
lent purposes  for  which  they  are  needed  ;  and  to  be- 
lieve, that,  by  the  various  appeals  made  by  the  Assem- 
bly to  the  liberality  of  their  people,  they  are  enriched, 
instead  of  being  impoverished  ;  because  the  Lord  will 
not  fail  to  reward  them  for  all  donations  they  make 
to  the  support  of  his  cause  in  the  world. 

We  cherish  the  hope,  dear  brethren,  that  you  will 
not  turn  away  from  the  present  application.  We  trust 
you  will  lend  cheerful  assistance  to  the  interesting 
cause  for  which  we  plead,  and  that  you  will  accept  the 
invitation  to  co-operate  in  the  great  work  of  supplying 
the  destitute  widi  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  We 
plead  for  the  benighted  and  wretched  Indians,  whose 
soil  you  occupy  ;  and  intreat  you  to  endeavour  to  in- 
demnify them  for  their  loss,  by  sending  to  them  de- 
voted men,  who  shall  preach  to  them  the  unsearchable 


riches  of  Christ.  We  plead  the  cause  of  the  oppressed 
90ns  and  daughters  of  Africa  ;  and  conjure  you,  by  all 
the  principles  of  justice  and  equity,  to  avert  the  judg- 
ments of  Heaven,  by  supplying  them  with  that  gospel 
which  "proclaims  liberty  to  the  captive,  and  the  open- 
ing of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound,"  and  redemp- 
tion by  the  blood  of  Jesus  to  bond  and  free,  to  the  sable 
African,  as  well  as  to  the  white  European.  We  plead 
the  cause  of  your  own  kindred,  who,  having  removed 
from  places  where  they  once  enjoyed  all  the  means  of 
grace  in  rich  abundance,  and  gone  to  reside  in  distant 
regions,  now  spend  silent  Sabbaths,  and  see  not  "  the 
feet  of  them  that  publish  salvation,  and  say  unto  Zion, 
Thy  God  reigneth  ;"  and  we  beseech  you  to  aid  in 
prosecuting  vigorous  measures  for  their  spiritual  in- 
struction, lest  they  lose  all  knowledge  of  divine  truth, 
forget  to  reverence  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord,  and  learn 
to  contemn  all  the  sacred  institutions  of  religion. 

Remember,  christian  brethren,  th«t  the  places  you 
inhabit,  now  so  highly  favoured  with  religious  privile- 
ges, were  formerly  missionari/  ground;  and  tliat  had  it 
not  been  for  the  pious  care  and  christian  charity  of 
others,  your  dwellings  might  at  this  moment  have  been 
embosomed  in  the  darkness  of  heathenism,  instead  of 
being  cheered  and  irradiated  by  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness. Your  benefactors  have  gone  to  receive  from 
their  Redeemer  the  reward  of  their  labour  of  love,  and 
can  receive  from  you  no  return  for  their  kindness  ;  or 
if  any  survive,  they  expect  no  other  recompense,  than 
to  see  you  looking  with  compassion  *on  the  destitute, 
and  contributing  according  to  your  ability  to  carry  into 
effect  schemes  for  their  relief. 


10 

In  pefforming  the  duty  imposed  on  them  by  the 
General  Assembl)^,  the  Board  of  Missions  take  the 
liberty  of  recommending  certain  plans,  in  supporting 
which  you  will  have  an  opportunity  for  expressing  your 
gratitude  for  benefactions  received,  and  for  assisting  in 
communicati»g  to  others  the  treasure  with  which  you 
have  been  enriched.  They  recommend  the  formation  of 
Auxiliary  Missionary  Societies,  andof  Missionary  As- 
sociations ;  framed  on  principles  exhibited  in  draughts 
of  Constitutions  accompanying  this  address. 

One  or  more  Societies  of  this  kind  might  be  formed 
within  the  bounds  of  every  Presbytery ;  and  one  or 
more  Associations,  within  the  limits  of  every  congre- 
gation. These  institutions  should  require  small  con- 
tributions, so  as  to  embrace  the  great  body  of  the  peo- 
ple, and  open  a  door  of  admission,  at  least  to  the  As- 
sociations, that  individuals  in  very  humble  circumstan- 
ces might  become  members. 

Now,  suppose,  this  plan  were  adopted  ;  suppose 
Auxiliary  Missionary  Societies  established  within  the 
bounds  of  all  our  Presbyteries,  and  Associations 
formed  in  all  our  congregations  ;  how  gratifying  would 
be  the  result  ?  A  large  accession  would  be  immediate- 
ly made  to  the  Missionary  funds.  The  institutions  of 
the  latter  description  might  individually  produce  but 
a  small  amount,  yet  would,  from  their  multiplication, 
produce  a  very  large  aggregate  amount ;  resembling  a 
stream  that  at  first  takes  its  rise  frbm  a  small  spring? 
but  which,  in  its  course  receiving  many  tributary 
streams,  swells  at  length  into  a  noble  river.  Contribu- 
tions derived  from  Associations  whose  members  pay  a 
penny  a  week,  have  brought  into  the  funds  of  "the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society"  monies  to  a  very 


11 

large  amount ;  and  similar  Associations  for  the  sup» 
port  of  the  Missionary  cause,  spread  over  every  part  of 
our  Church,  would  be  proportionably  productive. 

On  the  supposition  made,  the  funds  derived  from 
the  Society  or  Societies  formed  within  the  bounds  hi 
some  Presbyteries,  aided  by  the  funds  of  numerous 
Associations,  might  be  sufficient  for  the  support  of  one 
or  more  stated  Missionaries,  within  the  limits  of  each; 
the  funds  obtained  from  the  same  sources,  within  the 
limits  of  other  Presbyteries,  might  be  sufl^cient  for  the 
support  of  one  Missionary  for  a  year  or  nine  months  ; 
and  the  funds  collected  in  this  way,  within  the  bounds 
of  smaller  Presbyteries,  embracing  a  population  more 
reduced  in  circumstances,  might  meet  the  expense  of 
a  Missionary  employed  for  six  or  three  months. 

The  effect  of  the  labours  of  these  Missionaries,  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  different  Presbyteries,  would  be 
beneficial  in  a  high  degree.  Churches  might  be  or- 
ganized, nourished,  and  partially  supplied  with  the 
means  of  grace,  till  they  gained  strength  to  support  the 
gospel,  either  individually,  or  by  the  union  of  two  or 
three  under  one  minister. 

Besides,  the  aid  that  might  be  expected  from  these 
Societies  and  Associations,  by  augmenting  the  Assem- 
bly's Missionary  fund,  would  enable  the  Board  of  Mis- 
sions greatly  to  extend  their  operations,  and  act  on  a 
plan  that  would  render  them  more  permanently  bene- 
ficial. 

In  addition  to  all  these  important  consequences,  the 
adoption  of  the  proposed  system  would  extend  the  in- 
fluence of  the  missionary  spirit  more  generally  among 
our  people,  promote  a  growing  interest  in  the  prosperi- 
ty of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  incite  them  to  act 


12 

with  warmer  zeal  in  diffusing  its  blessings  over  our 
own  country,  and  through  the  world  at  large. 

Such  are  the  plans  we  recommend  ;  and  such  the 
benefits  likely  to  result  from  a  general  adoption  of  them 
in*  the  churches.  Need  we  suggest  any  additional 
observations  to  enforce  what  is  recommended  ?  Is 
not  the  exhibition  of  the  plans  and  of  their  probabW 
consequences  sufficient  to  secure  attention  to  them  ? 

The  voice  of  your  country,  whose  welfare  cannot  be 
secured  without  the  prevalence  of  religion  and  virtue  j 
the  intreaties  of  the  church,  which  longs  to  multiply  her 
children,  and  to  impart  her  consolations  to  the  misera- 
ble ;  the  authority  of  her  glorious  Head  and  the  sove- 
reign Ruler  of  the  world,  who  commanded  that  his 
gospel  should  be  preached  to  every  creature:  all  concur 
in  directing  your  attention  to  this  important  subject, 
and  in  requiring  your  cordial  support  of  the  Missiona- 
ry cause,  and  your  liberal  co-operation  in  every  way  for 
extending  Missionary  exertions. 

By  order  of  the  Board  of  Missions, 

J.  J.  JANEWAY,  President. 

Philadelpliiay  Deceinbery  1816, 


13 


CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I.    This   Society  shall  be  denominated 
"  The  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society  of  .'* 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  Society  shall  be  tp  sup- 
ply with  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  the  destitute 
within  our  own  limits,  and  to  aid  the  funds,  and  , 
facilitate  the  operations,  of  "The  Board  of  Mis-' 
sioNS  acting  under  the  authority  of  The  General 
Assemble  or  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  ^tates  of  America. 

Art.  fii.  Any  person  paying  dollars  on  sub- 

scribing, and  one  dollar  annually,  shall  be  a  member  of 
this  Society  :  and  any  person  paying  at  one  time  txveri' 
ty  dollars^  or  a  sum  which  added  to  his  former  pay- 
ments shall  amount  to  truenty  dollars,  shall  be  a  mem- 
ber for  life,  without  farther  contributions. 

Art.  IV.  This  Society  shall  meet  annually  at 
on  the  day  of  at  which 

time  the  report  of  its  proceedings  shall  be  read,  and  its 
officers  shall  be  chosen.  The  officers  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, a  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Art.  v.  a  Standing  Committee  of  sfeven  persons 
shall  be  chosen  at  the  same  time  ;  any  four  of  whom 
shall  be  a  quorum  to  do  business.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  this  Committee  to  employ  Missionaries, — to  pre- 
scribe their  routes  and  fix  their  stations, — to  obtain  and 
collect  subscriptions  and  donations  to  the  funds  of  the 
Society, — to  manage  the  general  business  when  the  So- 
ciety is  not  in  session, — and  to  report  at  every  annual 
meeting  of  the  Society  an  account  of  their  proceedings. 

Art.  VI.  The  Missionaries  employed  shall  be  eith- 
er Licentiates  or  Ordained  Ministers  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  good  and  regular  standing,  whom  the  Stand- 
ing Committee  "may  deem  suitable  persons  ;  or  such 
persons  as  may  be  sent  by  the  Board  of  Missions,  on 
the  application  of  the  Standing'Committee. 


14 

Art.  VII.  The  Missionaries  shall  labour  within  the 
limits  of  this  Society,  and  parts  adjacent  which  maybe 
destitute  ;  they  shall  receive  from  the  funds  of  this  So- 
ciety for  their  services  forty  dollars  per  month,  being 
the  salary  allowed  by  the  Board  of  Missions  to  their 
Missionaries  ;  they  shall  report,  as  soon  as  convenient 
after 'finishing  their  tour,  an  account  of  their  labours 
and  apparent  success,  and  of  all  other  matters  interest- 
ing to  the  missionary  cause  that  may  occur  to  their 
observation. 

Art.  VIII.  Any  surplus  funds  which  may  at  any 
time  be  possessed  by  the  Society,  shall  be  paid  over  to 
the  Missionary  fund  of  the  General  Assemljly,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Standing  Committee.  (Should  there 
be  no  missionary  ground  within  the  limits  of  any  Socie- 
ty, it  is  recommended  that  all  the  funds  should  be  paid 
into  the  Missionary  fund  of  the  General  Assembly.) 

Art.  IX.  The  formation  of  Missionary  Associations, 
to  aid  the  funds  of  this  Society,  shall  be  promoted  by 
its  members  whenever  an  opportunity  offers ;  and  it 
shall  especially  be  the  duty  of  Missionaries  supported 
by  this  Society,  to  endeavour  to  form  such  Associations 
wherever  it  may  be  practicable. 

Art.  X.  Any  Association  of  persons  (male  or  fe- 
male) who  shall  contribute  to  this  Society  ten  dollars, 
shall  have  the  privilege  of  sending  one  deputy  to  the 
Society  who  shall  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  any  other 
inember ;  and  for  every  additional  ten  dollars,  they 
shall  have  a  right  to  appoint  another  representative. 

Art.,  XI.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered,  at  any 
annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  by  a  vote  of  a  majority 
of  all  the  members,  or  of  tv.'0  thirds  of  the  members 
present. 

As  soon  as  twelve  subscribers  shall  be  obtained,  the 
Society  shall  be  considered  as  formed;  and  may  imme- 
diately proceed  to  the  choice  of  its  Officers  and  Stand- 
ing Committee,  who  shall  serve  till  the  day  appointed 
in  the  Constitution  for  the  annual  meeting. 


15 


CONSTITUTIOK. 

Article  i.  This  Association  shall  be  denominated 
"  The  Missionary  Association  of  ." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  Association  shall  be  to 
aid  the  funds  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society  of 

(Should  the  local  situation 
of  any  Associations  render  it  more  convenien!  to  pay 
their  funds  immediately  into  the  Missionary  fund  of 
the  General  Assembly,  it  is  recommended  that  this 
article  should  be  formed  accordingly.) 

Art.  III.  Any  person  paying  annually  at  the  rate 
of  one  cent  per  week,  shall  be  a  member  of  this 
Association. 

Art.  IV.  The  subscriptions  shall  be  paid  monthly, 
or  quarterly,  or  half  yearly,  or  annually,  as  the  Asso- 
ciation may  determine. 

Art.  v.  The  Abaociation  shall  meet  annually  at 
on  the  day  of 
at  which  time  they  shall  chose  a  Treasurer,  and  a  Com- 
mittee consisting  of  three  persons  ;  and  read  any  Mis- 
sionary report  or  journal  that  may  be  sent  by  the  Aux- 
iliary Missionary  Society,  or  any  piece  of  Missionary 
intelligence  of  an  interesting  nature  that  may  be  pro- 
cured. 

Art.  VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  the  members, 
and  particularly  .of  the  Committee,  to  procure  subscri- 
bers and  donations. 

Art.  VII.  The  Committee  shall  be  charged  with 
the  business  of  collecting  the  money  due  from  the 
members,  and  paying  what  they  collect  to  the  Treasur- 
er. 

Art.  VIII.  As  soon  as  the  Treasurer  shall  have 
received  ten  dollars,  he  or  she  shall  pay  it  over  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Sotiety  ;  and 
it  shall  be  the  duty  ot  the  Treasurer  to  report  to  every 
annual  meeting  of  the  Association  the  amount  of  all 
monies  received  and  paid. 


16 

Art.  IX.  If  the  Association  shall  be  disposed  to  ex- 
ercise their  privilege,  they  shall,  at  the  annual  meet- 
ing, appoint  their  deputy  or  deputies  to  attend  the  next 
annual  meeting  of  the  Auxiliary  Missionary  Society. 

Art.  X.  As  soon  as  ten  subscribers  shall  be  obtain- 
ed, the  Association  may  proceed  to  choose  their  Trea- 
surer and  Committee,  who  shall  serve  till  the  day 
appointed  in  the  Constitution  for  the  annual  meeting. 


The  Board  of  Missions,  chosen  and  appointed  by  the 
Assembly  for  the  ensuing  year,  are  ;  viz. 

Of  Philadelphia  and  its  vicinity.  Rev.  Drs.  Green, 
Alexander, Wilson,  Janeway and  Miller;  Rev.  Messrs, 
Potts  and  Skinner,  and  Messrs.  Boudinot,  Hazard^ 
Connelly,  Haslet,  Smith,  Ralston,  and  Bayard. 

Of  New  York,  Rev.  Dr.  Romeyn,  Messrs.  Lenox, 
Rogers,  Bethune,  Caldwell  and  Lewis.      • 
Of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  Rev.  David  Higgins. 
of  Albany,  Rev\  Jonas  Coe. 
of  N.Y.&N.J.Rev.  Jas.  Richards,  d.d. 
of  Philadelphia,  Rev.  Robert  Cathcart. 
of  Pittsburgh,  Rev.  Elisha  Macurdy. 
ofVirginia,  Rev.  John  H.  Rice, 
of  Kentucky,  Rev.  James  Blythe,  d.d. 
of  Ohio,  Rev.  Robert  G.  Wilson, 
of  N.  Carolina,  Rev.  James  Hall,  d.d. 
of  S:  Carolina  and  Georgia,  Rev.  An« 
drew  Flinn,  d.d. 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  BOARD. 

J.  J.  Janeway,  President, 
T.  H.  Skinner,  Secretary, 


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